stepped away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stepped away from" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone taking a step back, or figuratively moving away from something. Example sentence: She stepped away from the negotiating table when she realized they weren't going to give her a fair deal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I stepped away from her.

The New Yorker

"HE'S just stepped away from his desk".

The Economist

I stepped away from the shrine.

The Guardian - Travel

Miss Lewis stepped away from the tree.

The New Yorker

Henry stepped away from the girl and the tree.

The New Yorker

Yet he stepped away from coaching before the 2007 season.

The New York Times - Sports

Quietly, Carrie stepped away from the window and went upstairs.

The New Yorker

I stepped away from the studio after the year.

The New Yorker

Donfrey now stepped away from his and toward Roosten's.

The New Yorker

Kanye retreated, deleted, stepped away from the phone.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Please step away from the ledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stepped away from", consider the context to ensure the implication of a temporary or permanent departure is clear to the reader. Is it a pause, or a final decision?

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "stepped away from" when more precise verbs could enhance clarity. Instead of "The company stepped away from the project", try "The company abandoned the project" or "The company withdrew from the project" to better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stepped away from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, indicating a deliberate movement or withdrawal. As shown by Ludwig, it suggests a change in position, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stepped away from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote physical or figurative withdrawal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media. The phrase is generally neutral in tone and appropriate for various contexts, from formal to informal. Consider alternatives like "withdrew from" or "disengaged from" for nuanced meanings. When using "stepped away from", ensure the implication of temporary or permanent departure is clear, and avoid overuse by considering more precise verbs when applicable. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore its common usage across reputable news sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdrew from

Implies a formal or official removal from a situation or commitment.

disengaged from

Suggests a detachment or separation from involvement in something.

receded from

Indicates a gradual retreat or decline in involvement.

separated from

Highlights the act of creating a distance or boundary.

distanced oneself from

Emphasizes a deliberate effort to create emotional or physical separation.

moved back from

Suggests a physical repositioning to create space or distance.

retired from

Implies a voluntary withdrawal from a professional role or activity.

relinquished

Emphasizes giving up control or possession of something.

abandoned

Denotes a complete and often abrupt departure or desertion.

vacated

Highlights the act of leaving a place or position empty.

FAQs

How can I use "stepped away from" in a sentence?

You can use "stepped away from" to describe someone physically moving backwards, or figuratively withdrawing from an activity or commitment. For example, "She "stepped away from" the argument" or "He "stepped away from" his role as CEO".

What are some alternatives to "stepped away from"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "withdrew from", "resigned from", or "took a break from".

Is it appropriate to use "stepped away from" in formal writing?

Yes, "stepped away from" is generally appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing a deliberate and somewhat strategic disengagement. However, consider if a more precise term like "relinquished" or "ceded" might be more effective.

What's the difference between "stepped away from" and "moved away from"?

"Stepped away from" often implies a more immediate or intentional withdrawal, while "moved away from" can suggest a gradual shift or change over time. For example, "She "stepped away from" the ledge" suggests an immediate action, whereas "The company "moved away from" traditional marketing" suggests a gradual change in strategy.